Anatomy of the carpal tunnel

Anatomy of the carpal tunnel can be easy to understand if you remember we are dealing with a tunnel of sorts, or a canal like structure in your wrist...And seeing pictures always helps!

The anatomy of the carpal tunnel is such that you have 8 small wrist bones called carpals (pronounced-Car-pulls) that make up 3 sides of the tunnel and a thick rubber-like ligament called the TRANSVERSE LIGAMENT, (or sometimes referred to as the Transverse Carpal ligament)..this ligament makes up the other side. So, as you can see the Carpal tunnel anatomy is kind of like a ring or a tunnel.

The main problem in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is that pressure is put on a nerve, the
median nerve
....YOU WILL learn more about this nerve as you go through this site.

For more information on
Anatomy of the CARPAL TUNNELThe median nerve actually STARTS and EXITS from your NECK BONES called Cervical vertebrae (pronounced Ver-tuh-bray)..the median nerve then travels through your shoulder, arm, elbow, and wrist and then finally branches out into your palm and goes to your thumb and first 3 fingers. In order to do this, however, it has to pass through the carpal tunnel in your wrist.

The median nerve would have lots of room if it was the only thing going through this tunnel, BUT the anatomy of the carpal tunnel is such that the tendons for your fingers also occupy this same space.

As you can see from viewing the pictures of the carpal tunnel anatomy, the tendons and muscles (which can become inflamed and swollen) are fairly close to the surface of your wrist....with the palm up you can feel and sometimes see your tendons move with finger movement.

If you are having carpal tunnel symptoms, then you probably have some inflammation and swelling going on within your carpal tunnel. This is why I have found that Special
Ice and Cold Wraps, and Pain Relieving Creams and Gels
for the wrist can do wonders and help give you
carpal tunnel relief.
Also a comfortable
Night Splint
can keep the wrist in a "neutral position" while you sleep. This prevents the median nerve from being "Crimped" all night....causing your hands to have that Falling Asleep Feeling